ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
34
THE ROLE OF PLAY THERAPY IN ELIMINATING SPEECH
DISORDERS.
Qayumova Zebiniso
University of Information Technologies and Management
Field of Study: Special Pedagogy 1st-year student:
Scientific Supervisor:
Ozoda Eshbayeva
Senior Lecturer, Department of Pedagogy University of Information
Technologies and Management.Highly Qualified Speech Therapist and
Defectologist.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15623234
Abstract.
Speech disorders are prevalent among children and can significantly hinder
their social, emotional, and educational development. Traditional speech
therapy, though effective, may not always fully engage young patients. Play
therapy, a child-centered therapeutic approach, has gained attention for its
potential to enhance speech therapy outcomes. This article explores the role of
play therapy in addressing speech disorders, examining its principles, benefits,
methodologies, and effectiveness based on recent studies and clinical
observations.
Keywords.
play therapy, speech disorders, child development, language therapy,
therapeutic play, speech-language pathology.
Introduction.
Speech and language are crucial tools for communication and learning. Any
disruption in these abilities, such as articulation disorders, fluency issues, or
language delays, can impact a child’s academic progress and social integration.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
approximately 8–9% of young children in the United States experience speech or
language disorders. These disorders often require early intervention for
effective treatment.
Principles and Methods of Play Therapy.
Play therapy is based on the understanding that play is a child’s primary
form of communication. Developed by theorists such as Virginia Axline and Carl
Rogers, this therapeutic approach allows children to express their feelings,
thoughts, and needs through symbolic play. There are two main types of play
therapy: non-directive (child-centered) and directive. In speech-language
pathology, a combination of both methods is often used to promote speech and
language development.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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Play therapy sessions may include activities like storytelling, role-playing,
puppet shows, drawing, or the use of educational toys and games. The speech-
language pathologist (SLP) creates a safe, non-judgmental space where children
can play freely while also being gently guided toward using appropriate speech
and language patterns. These activities are strategically selected to target
specific speech goals such as vocabulary expansion, articulation, phonological
awareness, and sentence structure.
Benefits of Play Therapy in Speech Disorder Treatment.
The integration of play therapy in speech therapy offers several advantages:
1. Increased Motivation and Engagement: Children are naturally drawn to
play. Using play as a medium reduces the stress and pressure associated with
traditional therapy, making the sessions more enjoyable and productive.
2. Enhanced Emotional Expression: Many speech disorders have
psychological or emotional underpinnings. Through play, children can express
frustrations or anxieties related to their communication difficulties, which can
facilitate emotional healing and reduce speech-related anxiety.
3. Development of Social Skills: Play therapy often involves interaction with
peers or therapists, allowing children to practice conversational skills, turn-
taking, listening, and eye contact—essential components of effective
communication.
4. Contextual Learning: Play provides real-life contexts for language use,
enabling children to practice new words or sentence structures in meaningful,
functional ways.
5. Holistic Development: Beyond language, play therapy supports cognitive,
emotional, and behavioral development, creating a solid foundation for overall
learning and well-being.
Conclusion.
Play therapy is a powerful adjunct to conventional speech therapy
approaches. By leveraging the natural tendencies of children to learn through
play, therapists can create dynamic, engaging, and emotionally supportive
environments that facilitate speech and language development. As research
continues to validate its effectiveness, incorporating play therapy into standard
speech-language pathology practices holds great promise for improving
outcomes and enriching the therapeutic experience for young clients.
References:
1. Smith, J., & Green, T. (2020). Play-Based Interventions for Children with
Language Delays. Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 25(3), 142–155.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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2. Arif, L., Johnson, R., & Lee, M. (2022). The Effectiveness of Play Therapy in
Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Case Study. International Journal of
Pediatric Therapy, 18(1), 33–41.
3.Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (3rd ed.).
Routledge.
